Anything I have ever found and returned has been for free or a 12-pack. To ask for money and a reward is kind of lame, in my opinion. Is he really going to hold your board ransom?? did it say reward on it next to your name? If you find something of Value you may not have the legal right to keep it without trying to find the owner. In this case he did contact you, but to make you pay?!? Check in with the police department and see what the law is. He could be in possession of stolen property at this point, granted he found it but it wasn't his to keep. What if it was a 8000$ bike? I think a reward is a ideal for this situation but if he is pressing for it and thinks he deserves one than I may act differently. Basically he was walking down the beach and took a board?? Not much different than stealing.

Thanks for the responses. It was odd that the guy did not call me when he found it the same time I was at the location but instead shopped around and then gave me a call a day later. I am glad he opted to take the high road so far and give me a call. He is expecting some sort of reward from the conversation. It is a few years old but still a good board worth the trip and some kind of reward. Let's see how this pans out. I left a message this morning on the number he gave me. If the guy turns out ok then I figure I will do as you guys suggest. It is a good karma test.

Also I am kicking myself for not spending more time trying to find it. It was low wind conditions at Sherman Island Wednesday. I was close enough to shore to go get my other board and it was a flood current. When I went back out, it was nowhere to be found. I just went on to have a great session otherwise.